Knicks Preview: 5 Keys to Defeating Milwaukee Bucks

Oct 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) shoots in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Milwaukee Bucks 112-108. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

3. Protect the Paint

The Milwaukee Bucks are a big and dangerous team that knows how to get to the basket. Per NBA.com, Milwaukee was No. 13 in the NBA in points in the paint during the 2014-15 regular season.

That may not be the most impressive ranking, but it was before the Bucks signed Greg Monroe.

Monroe is a low-post menace who has a healthy arsenal of moves with his back to the basket. He finishes well in traffic, is creative in his body and ball fakes, and isn’t afraid of contact.

According to NBA.com, Monroe was No. 5 in the Association in points via post-ups in 2014-15.

Of his 15.2 points per game, 6.0 were scored with his back to the basket. That type of presence is strong enough to anchor an offensive attack, collapsing defenses and opening lanes for perimeter scorers.

Most importantly, it’ll create pick-and-roll opportunities for Michael Carter-Williams.

For the Knicks, protecting the paint will be of the utmost importance. The likes Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis will handle those duties as interior defenders, but it’s on the perimeter to prevent penetration.

If New York allows Monroe to get going in the post, the Bucks’ offense will flow.

Next: The Centerpiece